September 3-10, 2019 Ancient Nikko Mt. Fuji - Japan Photography Tour

Japanese dogma has made “Zen” a household word known around the world, Japan’s aesthetics are drawn inspirationally from elements of nature and Buddhist philosophies. The art of traditional Japanese gardens and architecture with their aesthetically pleasing elegant simplicity has inspired and fascinated generations of artisans. Our journey focuses on the ancient Japanese artisan's psyche while on the ancient Buddhist Shinto pilgrimage routes of sacred Nikko and Mt. Fuji territories, designated by UNESCO World Heritage. Our journey begins in an ancient bamboo forest, to Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) with camera in hand during the golden hour, then off to Nikko for our welcome dinner, and enjoy the art of fine Japanese cuisine with a toast! Each evening we will take a moment to discuss our next day's photography so that you will be well prepared.

Before Nikko awakes, we will capture the sacred Shinkyo bridge, the gateway to the Futarasan Jinja best viewed at first light. Nikko's Toshogu is Japans most lavishly decorated shrine complex. The buildings are lacquered and decorated with vibrant colors, and the pillars and other structures are covered in a multitude of carvings. The carvings are not simply design elements; they are expressions of spirituality (Reiju Holy Spiritual animals) as well as scholarly and philosophical mystical beings. The Rinno-Ji Buddhist Temple founded in the 8th-century is most serene and mesmerizing.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikko encompasses over 100 buildings and structures, for centuries together with their natural surrounding, have been a sacred site. They are closely associated with the history of ‘The Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu,’ and the Tokugawa Shoguns that followed. The shrines and temples contain both Shinto and Buddhist elements which are common throughout Japan; Your experienced guide is well versed with most of these symbolic elements and is most happy to share his knowledge in what he loves to photograph.

Kegon Waterfalls the top 3 most picturesque throughout Japan, at 97 meters (318 feet) with a breathtaking combination of Lake Chuzenji photographed from Akechidaira observatory. Various waterfalls, lakes, and places of natural beauty we will visit while exploring Lake Chuzenji region.

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO has been worshipped as a sacred mountain for as long as humans have lived nearby. Originally a sacred mountain of the Ainu the First Nations people of Japan. The Fuji Five Lakes at the base of Mount Fuji comprises of Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motsosu lakes. Over 95% of Japanese have never visited all the fuji five lakes; you will be among the few that have photographed and walked the shores of all the fuji five lakes. And enjoy Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) with camera in hand at the base of Mt. Fuji.

Small group size equals quality time with participants questions are always welcome and encouraged.

Each evening and morning we discuss our best shooting options with our weather conditions so that you will be well prepared.

2019 will be the tour leaders 22nd year leading photo adventures in Japan.

Tour cost: $5300 Includes all lodging based on double room occupancy 3-5 star with western style toiletries, all breakfast, and dinners, all group ground transportation sports utility vehicles with business class seating, all entrance fees, all donations at temples and shrines, professional photography guide instruction, detailed itinerary, clothing and gear recommendations.

Single supplement: $1000

Not included: Flight to JPN and from JPN, alcohol beverages, travel health insurance, lunches, items of a personal nature.